16. From Post-War Microlending to Healthcare Private Equity, with Ram Jagannath

In this episode of The Backstory, host Anne Hancock Toomey sits down with the Global Head of Healthcare for Blackstone, Ram Jagannath, to trace the path that led him from a childhood as a first-generation American to the upper echelons of finance and healthcare investing. Jagannath shares how his formative years shaped his perspective, weaving through early influences, first jobs, and pivotal experiences—none more striking than his time working in a Croatian refugee camp with Bosnians displaced by the war. From navigating Wall Street to surviving the stock market crash and exploring a career in private equity, Jagannath unpacks lessons on why intellectual curiosity and purpose matter as much as strategy. And in a fast-paced lightning round, he gets personal – family, golf and a little love for Taylor Swift. 4:20 First Jobs and Early Lessons 11:44 College Years and Discovering Fulfillment 13:28 Life-Changing Experience in Croatia 20:09 Transition to Finance and Wall Street 22:42 Discovering Private Equity 25:10 Journey into Healthcare Investing 30:29 Founding a New Firm and Personal Loss 34:52 Leadership Qualities and Values 39:14 Lightning Round: Personal Insights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices